8 Bride Prep Photos You NEED for Your Wedding Photography

Welcome back to our detail series! I’m walking you through bride prep photos that we need every morning on the wedding day. We are sure to make these a priority throughout the bridal prep time. This is a mental checklist that we run through every morning. We make sure to get each of these components, if applicable. Follow along to hear why we think these are so important to capture the morning of the wedding.

Photo #1 – Flatlay

The first of our bride prep photos is to use a flatlay. Typically, our flatlays are a couple different variations. These include things like the couples invitation suite, their shoes and accessories. It is also going to include perfume, any extra paper elements like the menus or place cards and any welcome gifts at the hotel.

All of these extra details that they made such intentional choices about are things that we want to photograph on their own. It’s great at setting the scene to introduce their wedding gallery, but in addition, it looks great in an album. 20 years from now, it will be so fun for them to look back on and say, look at these shoes that I picked out, or how fun were my earrings!

Photo #2 – Dress Hanging

We love getting a classic shot of the dress hanging. It will really set the scene. If we are at a venue, we’ll pick a location like the reception area or a huge window bay. If it’s a getting ready suite or if they have a huge living room that brings in all of the elements of the style of the Airbnb, we’ll get a super classic shot of the dress hanging.

We are not doing extravagant things like climbing or hanging things on crazy spots. We are looking for areas that are like ledges or window sills to hang the dress from. Again, this is something where they have a photo of the dress on it’s own. They can look back at it 20 years from now and reminisce.

Photo #3 – Finishing Touches of Bride’s Hair and Makeup

I think there is a common misconception that we can educate our clients on. Often times, they think that you will be there the entire time while they are getting their makeup done. Nowadays makeup artists start with eyes and then do foundation. So in reality, the first 30 minutes of doing an eye look is not a cute photo.

We personally jump in and literally do the last 5 minutes. I love shots of finishing touches of the eye look. Anything blush or bronzer, or anything with the lips as well! Again, it’s typically like the last 5 minutes and we keep an eye on the makeup team so we can jump right in. If the makeup artist is finished with the lips, I love asking if they can do a fake touch up real quick just to get some variety in the bride prep photos.

Photo #4 – Group Shot of Bridesmaids

Of course, I’m casually getting shots of the bridesmaids throughout the morning. Hugging the bride, steaming their dress, all the cute stuff. However, I love to take the time to do a group shot, especially if they are in pajamas, robes, or cute rompers. Getting a cute photo of them all snuggled up together on the couch is so special.

We love adding other elements if the bride is interested! Popping champagne, popping confetti, or jumping on the bed is a way to make it super fun for the girls. Kind of like a girls slumber party vibe!

Photo #5 – Bride Putting her Dress on

When it comes time for the bride to put her dress on, we’re really conscientious of getting a lot of different vibes. It’s especially important if someone significant is helping her, like her mom, grandma, or sister.

During these shots, we love to get full body shots and cropped shots. We also love details like hands on buttons, or mom’s wedding ring fixing the lace on the brides sleeve. These different pieces can hold a lot of significance for the bride and her family.

Photo #6 – Bride Putting on Accessories

These shots could include the bride putting on earrings or spritzing her perfume or someone helping to put her shoes on. We are looking for full body shots and close-ups of these final touches.

Bride Prep Photography Checklist